“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” – Thomas Jefferson

We step, step, step, and tap, tap, tap. Then we turn around. We step, step, step, and tap, tap, tap. Then we touch the ground. We clap down low. We clap up high. We touch the ground. We touch the sky. We step, step, step, and tap, tap, tap. Then we sit right down. Laura… Read more »

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In our increasingly complex world, as the value of personal integrity is less and less emphasized, oaths and ethical commitments aren’t what they used to be. Mac Arthur said he’d return. He did. Schwarzenegger said he’d be back. He was. Clinton said he’d be faithful to his wife. Things didn’t quite work out that way…. Read more »

Since we’re in the business of change I thought I would share what I have used as a formula for changing kids and teachers reluctant to change. I have identified four elements that are essential for people to change. K = Knowledge Awareness precedes our choices. Share what works by telling your own stories of… Read more »

Take Responsibility For Their Own Character By Tom Lickona, Director, Center for the 4th and 5th Rs This is an article that was printed in The Fourth and Fifth Rs: Respect and Responsibility, Volume 10, Issue 2, Winter 2004. (Center for the 4th and 5th Rs, School of Education, Cortland, NY 13045 www.cortland.edu/c4n5rs To ensure… Read more »

As educators we want our students to have a clear sense of purpose, to be motivated and self-assured, to know the importance of helping others, and to understand that they are at the controls of their life. According to John Bishop of GoalSettingForStudents.com, “We want students to know how to step up to the plate… Read more »

“Students love to have time to talk and to share gossip. In order to keep them from doing it during instruction, I apply ‘My Time’. During ‘My Time’, they must pay attention. They can not talk nor disturb others who are trying to learn and to pay attention. At the end of class, ‘Their Time’… Read more »

2002-2003 Jennifer Van Horik Counselor – Cerro Villa Middle School Orange CA Jennifer was the driving force in recognizing that kids that were not clear about the importance of respect in middle school relationships were not going to be effective as people. Her tireless efforts in promoting school wide Respect training has brought her district… Read more »

One of the characteristics we associate with Lincoln is his determination or persistence, often in the face of difficulty. His long-time friend Joseph Gillespie attributed it to both mental and physical strength, saying, “Mr. Lincoln was capable of immense physical and mental labor. His mind and body were in perfect harmony.” His law partner, William… Read more »